I'll Tell the World You Were a Hero!

"I didn't release Ibuse's poison on purpose. His poison sac was implanted in me when I was a child. Since that day, every breath I've taken has carried a deadly toxin. Anyone who comes too close is poisoned," Hanzo of the Salamander said quietly after a long silence.

"So that's how it is... Is this the power of a demigod? I suppose you haven't entirely failed to live up to the name... Cough..." Mifune spat out several more mouthfuls of blood. His strength had sunk to its lowest ebb.

Even so, the conviction in his eyes did not waver. With a roar, he pushed himself off the ground and charged Hanzō again, staggering forward with his sword in hand.

Before he could get close, the chain of Hanzō's scythe wrapped around his Samurai Sword and wrenched it from his grip. Hanzō then kicked him hard, sending him flying backward like a rag doll. He slammed into the ground.

Snow sprayed up around him. Seeing their commander defeated, the nearby samurai broke ranks and fled in panic.

Mifune watched them go and struggled to his feet. Hanzō approached at a measured pace, stopping three meters away. Even as an enemy, he could not help marveling at Mifune's strength of will.

Hanzō could not choose when the salamander poison escaped his body, but no one knew better than he did what agony it inflicted on those it poisoned.

All around them, the people caught in Ibuse's Poison Mist lay on the ground, wailing in agony until they died. Not one had managed to stand.

Yet Mifune had attacked him even after being poisoned. His resolve was extraordinary. He deserved the title of strongest samurai.

Even Hanzō felt a measure of respect for such an opponent. His expression turned solemn as he said,